Purdue linebacker Markus Bailey suffers season-ending knee injury

WEST LAFAYETTE - Markus Bailey, the leader of Purdue's defense, will miss the rest of the season after suffering a knee injury at the end of Tuesday's practice.

Coach Jeff Brohm called Bailey's injury non-contact but wouldn't confirm if it was an ACL, other than "it's a knee injury that requires surgery."

"We want to support him in every way we can," Brohm said prior to Wednesday's practice. "He's been a tremendous player for us and worked extremely hard in the offseason to overcome a hip surgery. He was getting ready to have an outstanding year."

The fifth-year senior linebacker, who serves as one of six team captains, will undergo surgery in a couple of weeks after the swelling subsides. It's Bailey's second ACL injury, the first one coming three games into his freshman season in 2015.

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Vanderbilt running back Ke'Shawn Vaughn (5) runs the ball as Purdue linebacker Markus Bailey (21) comes in for the block during the first quarter of a NCAA football game, Saturday, Sept. 7, 2019 at Ross-Ade Stadium in West Lafayette.(Photo: Nikos Frazier | Journal & Courier)

The native of Columbus, Ohio is second on the team with 14 tackles.

"I was hoping I didn’t get that text about his knee," said Derrick Barnes, the team's Leo (defensive end/linebacker). "It’s one of those things as a defense we have to pick up the pace now."

Cornel Jones moves into a starting position, joining Ben Holt at linebacker when the Boilermakers are in nickel. Jaylan Alexander has experience and Kieren Douglas will probably see action.

"You're obviously going to miss your best player on the defensive side of the ball at that position but I do feel like we have capable linebackers and guys who have experience," Brohm said. "Now you step in Cornel Jones on a full-time basis with Ben Holt and the others to spell them. I think they'll do a good job."

Bailey led the Boilermakers with 115 tackles, including 82 solos. He finished second with 9.0 tackles for loss, including a team-high 5.5 sacks. His 41-yard interception return capped the thrilling upset of then No. 2 Ohio State at Ross-Ade Stadium.

"It's a very unfortunate injury and he goes hard every day and he was off to a great start and he's had a great career here to this point," Brohm said. "Timing is never good but this is something he can come back from and we want to make sure we give him the proper care so he can continue beyond that."

Brohm was asked about applying for a sixth-year of eligibility for Bailey.

"That will be up to Markus," Brohm said. "We want to support him and do whatever is best for him and his future. That would be a possibility if the thinks that fits him best. For us, we want him to do what's best for him and we'll support him in any decision he wants to make."

When I decided to come to Purdue, these lights didn’t exist. A lot didn’t exist. I came here to help rebuild a broken program. It’s been rebuilt. If there’s one thing being a Boilermaker has taught me, it’s how to deal with adversity. Tough times don’t last, tough people do. 💪🏽🚂 pic.twitter.com/CPuRPm1LtK